For Immediate Release
July 22, 2011

PONY National Softball Tournament Comes to Cary
Over 3,000 players hope to knock one out of the ballpark over the course of more than 700 games

CARY, NC – Softball’s future stars will play for a national title in the PONY National Fastpitch Softball Tournament; play begins Saturday, July 23 and continues to July 29, when the champions are crowned after games held throughout Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs and Garner. Currently, 234 teams, from 17 states in the US and Canada, have qualified for the 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & Under and 18 & Under age divisions. This year’s tournament is conducted in part by the Raleigh Jaycees, Carolina Challengers, Town of Cary and Town of Garner, in partnership with the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“I encourage Cary citizens to come out and support this terrific tournament to watch some of the best youth softball teams from all over the nation, playing right here in Cary" said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Cary is a great fit for this event, with our fantastic sports facilities, great hotels, restaurants and shopping. We welcome all participants and their fans, and wish them the best of luck.”

Sporting events are always a welcome economic benefit to the region. This year, an estimated 7,500 people coming to the area for the tournament are projected to infuse over $3.5 million in revenue locally through lodging, food purchases, shopping and other expenditures.

Games start at 8 a.m. daily at various fields in Bond Park, Thomas Brooks Park, Middle Creek Park, Green Hope High School Park, Mills Park, and Davis Drive School Park in Cary, as well as Womble Park in Holly Springs, Morrisville Community Park in Morrisville and South Garner Park and Garner Park in Garner. Tickets are $15 for an individual day ticket (see website for discounted local residents and seniors) or $50 for a full week pass and can be purchased at each facility gate. Children under the age of eight are free. Only cash will be accepted and all proceeds benefit the Raleigh Jaycees and Carolina Challengers.

PONY, Protect our Nation’s Youth, is a non-profit corporation that is an administrative body for baseball and girl’s softball. This is PONY’s 35th year of involvement with girl’s softball. During this tournament, an estimated 720 games will be played in the seven-day time period. For a complete schedule of events, facility maps, rain dates and more, visit www.ponynationals2011.com.


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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
William Davis, Athletic Manager, (919) 460-4964
Andy Zeh, Tournament Host, (919) 713-0033
Tom Zabetakis, PONY National Tournament Director, (410) 787-1210
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 460-4951